I’m Britain’s oldest footballer at age 90
MOST footballers have hung up their boots by their late thirties.
But Bert Cunningham still pulls on his goalkeeping gloves once a week – despite turning 90 today.
The former fitness instructor believes he is Britain’s oldest footballer, having played for the Edinburgh City Walking Football group for the past five years.
And he has kept his place in the team despite having undergone two knee replacements.
Walking football, a five-a-side game where running is against the rules, is described as ‘the beautiful game, only a little bit slower’.
Mr Cunningham says it reignited his love for the sport, which he had not played since he was at school.
The great-grandfather of two said: ‘I believe I’m Scotland’s oldest footballer, I might be Britain’s oldest footballer. As far as I know, I’m the oldest in Britain. I’d not played football since I was at school but I used to cycle competitively.
‘I love playing and I love afterwards having a wee chat and a coffee or a tea. If I can keep playing it, anyone can play it.’
Mr Cunningham has been married to wife Janette, 86, for 62 years and they have a son, Norman, 59. He worked as a fitness instructor for 40 years at leisure centres in Edinburgh.
Born in Leith, he used to watch Hearts or Hibs play at home but said he has no strong preference for either team. Mr Cunningham, who also has two grandchildren, said football gives him a lively social life. He added: ‘I used to do cycle racing, trampolining, bowling and I taught physio training.
‘I had to stop cycling as I had both knees replaced. But this is great – the comradeship is very good. Afterwards we go to the canteen to have a drink or something to eat. ‘I’ve got a good social life.’ There are more than 50 footballers on the club’s books. Some are nearly as old as Mr Cunningham, while the youngest are in their 50s.
Mr Cunningham plans to celebrate his 90th birthday by going to the pub with friends. ‘It’s just another day, as far as I can see. I’m enjoying it – I’m very lucky.’
Last month Clyde manager Danny Lennon, 50, caused a stir when he came out of retirement to help his side beat Celtic Colts. The midfielder, who hung up his boots 11 years ago, made a 14-minute appearance on the pitch.